Instead of launching an F1 26 title, the studio will roll out a paid expansion for F1 25 that incorporates the sport’s sweeping 2026 technical overhaul, covering new cars, regulations, teams and drivers. The update will effectively allow this year’s game to represent two full world championships.

The move forms part of what EA has described as a “strategic reset,” giving Codemasters — the long-time developers of the F1 series and now an EA-owned studio — the runway needed to rethink the franchise rather than repeating its long-running yearly rhythm.

Senior creative director Lee Mather said the decision is tied to widening the scope of future releases and responding to the sport’s growth.

“F1 25 has been an incredible success, fuelled by the passion of fans and the energy of the sport,” Mather said.

“We’re fully committed to the EA SPORTS F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan extends this year’s excitement with the 2026 expansion and reimagines the F1 experience for 2027 to deliver even more for players at every level around the world.”

 

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The 2026 expansion will reflect a landmark season on track, featuring brand-new cars built around smaller and lighter rulesets, as well as the arrivals of Audi and Cadillac on the grid.

EA has not yet confirmed pricing or a release date, though it will follow the model used for EA Sports WRC, which added new stages and cars through paid DLC after launch.

Codemasters said the 2027 game will “look, feel, and play differently” and aims to deliver a more expansive, modern experience built with input from F1 and all 11 teams.

It will be the first full release since the British studio halted work on other racing projects earlier this year to concentrate resources solely on the F1 franchise.

The shift ends a 16-year streak of annual titles since Codemasters’ first licensed game in 2009 and marks a rare break in a sports-gaming landscape traditionally anchored to yearly updates.

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Driving Events is a Queensland-based motorsport training and driver development company delivering professional on-track and driver safety programs across Australia. Driving Events has built a strong reputation over nearly 15 years for delivering high-quality driver...

Driving Events is a Queensland-based motorsport training and driver development company delivering professional on-track and driver safety programs across Australia. Driving Events has built a...